Obituaries
Richard H. Hillard
Richard Harvey Hillard, age 76, of Charlotte, passed away Friday, April 16, 2021, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. He was born April 5, 1945, in Eaton Rapids, the son of Bob and Bernice (White) Hillard. Richard grew up in rural Eaton Rapids and Olivet. He graduated from Olivet High School with the Class of 1963. Richard was a devoted family man and enjoyed getting together with others. He had a passion for all sports but was especially fond of bowling. Richard also enjoyed making trips to the casino and fishing at the family cabin on Narrow Lake. He retired after 42 faithful years of service from Owens-Illinois in Charlotte.
Richard is survived by his children, Richard Hillard Jr. of Charlotte, Melissa (Timm) Williams of Charlotte, Roger Hillard of Florida; significant other, Linda Brown; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Maxine Green; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Tom Hillard, Dave Hillard; sisters, Marion (Paul) Smith and Marie (Garold) Griffin.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. Interment took place at Oakwood Cemetery in Eaton Rapids.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Richard’s memory to the American Cancer Society at Cancer.org.
To view Richard’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit Burkhead-Green-Kilgo.com.
The family is in the care of Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home of Charlotte.
Marjorie P. (DeYoung) Galvin
Marjorie P. (DeYoung) Galvin, of Eaton Rapids, formerly of Traverse City and Kalamazoo, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2021 at Island City Assisted Living in Eaton Rapids, Mich. at the age of 91. She was predeceased by her parents, Justin and Mavis Hanshew; her brother, Richard Hanshew; her second husband, William “Doug” Galvin; and her step daughter-in-law, Sheila Galvin. She is survived by her children, Steve (Jo) DeYoung, Karen DeYoung, and Patti (Scott) Compton. She is also survived by her stepson, Mike Galvin; grandchildren, Shawntell and Sam, and their spouses; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and extended family members who loved her very much.
Marge was a PEO sister for many years, of which she was very proud. She was a retired nurse and volunteered for the American Red Cross, which was important to her. She enjoyed her post retirement years with Doug, living on Spider Lake and traveling extensively, experiencing new adventures. She did not let her disability from a stroke get in the way of living life to the fullest. Mom loved people and enjoyed hosting large family gatherings at their home on the lake. She was equally loved in return by all who knew her. Her children will be forever grateful to Sheryl, and the entire staff at Island City for their loving, compassionate care, where she resided for the last six years.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy in her memory may be made to any local chapter of the American Red Cross. Mom had a great sense of humor, and always had a way of making us laugh, whether it was intended or not. “Moon over my Aunt Bea,” we love you Mom.
Linda D. Cervantes
Linda Dawn Cervantes, age 71, of Farwell, passed away at her home on April 6, 2021. She was born June 23, 1949, in Ionia the daughter of Frank and Dawn (Brooks) Maynard. She graduated from Potterville High School with the Class of 1968. Linda was a meticulous housekeeper and took great pride in caring for her family. She enjoyed baking, canning, and watching MSU Basketball. Linda also loved her Persian cat, Lilly.
She is survived by her children, Lisa (Bill) Schutt of Fla., Jessica Mosier of Bay City; granddaughters, Autumn Schutt, Jasmine Schutt; siblings, Jill (Bill Paul) Gidner of Bellevue, Rick Maynard of Charlotte; and numerous other relatives and friends.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 29 years, Tony; brother, John Maynard; and niece Stacey McDaniel.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 23, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 12 to 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Private family interment will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Linda’s honor to the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906.
To view Linda’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Jerri A. Bulmer
Jerri Alan Bulmer, a guy who could fix anything, died April 8, 2021 at the age of 70. Jerri was born on April 10, 1950, the son of Edward and Lorraine (Whitwright) Bulmer in Charlotte, Mich. and was raised and lived in the town for most of his life. He loved to tinker and fix things, which led to him getting his Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering and devoting a lifetime of work to electrical repair at the family business, Charlotte Electric Motors. He was also a tool and die maker, and was a part-time teacher at Lansing Community College for 33 years. Jerri loved to say, “I can fix anything, the impossible just takes longer.”
Always the joker, Jerri enjoyed playing pranks on family members. They describe him as determined and witty, with a tough ‘John Wayne’ attitude and grumpy exterior, but a big teddy bear at heart. He loved his family and enjoyed teaching his grandkids much of what they needed to know about life. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking, guns, boating, jet skiing, water skiing, dogs, and horses (sometimes being called the Horse Whisperer). In his younger years, he was an Eagle Scout and proudly served in the U.S. Navy. Jerri also was a member of the Eaton County Mounted Division for 18 years.
Jerri’s family was his pride and joy and he will be missed dearly by them. He is survived by his wife, Sue; children, Steve (Jen) Pakkala, Scott (Suzanne) Pakkala; Travis Bulmer; and Sonja (Joey) Place; ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and sister, Mary Kohn; as well as a niece and nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Jerri’s family by sharing memories on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. A memorial service was held on April 13 with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. The funeral was webcast so it can be watched from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to prayfuneral.com, click on Jerri’s tribute, then click on photos and videos from your computer (or media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice of Lansing. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Ross Hunter
Ross Hunter, 60, of Bellevue, Mich. went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 10, 2021 at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall, Michigan.
Ross was born on November 17, 1960 in Charlotte, Mich. to Earl and Doris Gail (Addair) Hunter. He married Loralie Cronk on November 7, 1999.
He was a 1979 graduate of Olivet High School.
He has been an over the road truck driver for 30 years and then recently he worked for Meijer Logistic as a truck driver for ten years.
Ross loved his Harley-Davidsons and riding them all over the area. He was a gun enthusiast and enjoyed being outdoors. Ross enjoyed cutting wood and especially hanging out with his many friends.
He attended Bellevue First Baptist Church.
Ross is survived by his wife, Loralie Hunter; his children, Troy Bass (Cindy) of Vermontville, Mich., Daniel Bass of Battle Creek, Mich., and Michelle (John) Bush of Grand Ledge, Mich.; his grandchildren, Clayton (Kayla) Beers, Kenny Bass, Sara (Jake) Esselink, Rachelle Beers, Josh Bass, Hailey French and Brynlee Bass; his five great-grandchildren; his siblings, Mark (Cheri) Hunter of Grayling, Mich. and Matthew (Jennifer) Hunter of Marshall, Mich. Ross is also survived by four nephews and families. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will take place on Friday, April 23, 2021 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon at First Baptist Church of Bellevue with funeral services following at 12 noon, with Pastor Don Francis officiating. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue.
Memorial contributions are requested to American Heart Association.
Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 205 N. Elizabeth St., Bellevue, Michigan 49021. Please visit kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook or to leave the family condolences.